BYU Edges Arizona 33-27 in Thrilling Double-OT Battle

[WILD]

BYU Edges Arizona 33-27 in Thrilling Double-OT Battle

In a rain-soaked, lightning-delayed thriller at Arizona Stadium, No. 18 BYU survived a gritty challenge from the Wildcats to secure a 33-27 double-overtime victory on Saturday night, improving to 6-0 overall and 3-0 in Big 12 play. Freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier proved the hero, scrambling for a 7-yard touchdown run in the second OT to seal the win after BYU's defense stuffed Arizona on their ensuing possession. The Cougars overcame a fourth-quarter double-digit deficit, showcasing resilience amid sloppy conditions that included a mid-game weather halt. BYU outgained Arizona 412-378 in total yards, with LJ Martin leading the rush attack at 112 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries.

Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita threw for 285 yards and two scores, including a 35-yard strike to Chris Hunter, but the Wildcats' three turnovers—two interceptions by Fifita—proved costly, as BYU capitalized for 14 points off takeaways.Arizona head coach Brent Brennan lamented the close calls, saying, "We had spurts of good football, but not enough to get over the hump—turnovers killed us in a game we could've stolen." BYU's Kalani Sitake praised his young signal-caller's poise, noting, "Bear came through in the clutch; that's what warriors do when the lights are brightest." The loss drops Arizona to 4-2 (2-1 Big 12), snapping a two-game win streak, while BYU's unblemished record positions them as legitimate playoff contenders. Both teams now eye crucial conference tilts—Arizona hosts Kansas